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Cingrani to remain a starter in spring camp

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GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The plan remains to have Reds lefty pitching prospect Tony Cingrani pitch as a starter in camp. The expectation is that Cingrani can begin the season at Triple-A Louisville and be backup depth if someone in the big league rotation goes down.

As a September call-up, Cingrani worked out of the bullpen, but the Reds don't have any thoughts on doing that this season.

"He can always relieve," Reds manager Dusty Baker said. "But he's got to work on his breaking ball to make him a complete pitcher. There aren't many power left-handers around. The ones that are, are very good."

Cingrani, 23, was the organization's Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2012 after he went a combined 10-4 with a 1.73 ERA at Class A Bakersfield and Double-A Pensacola. He posted a 1.80 ERA in three appearances for the Reds.

"He knows he can pitch," Baker said. "He's one of the few guys I've seen that pitches with just his fastball and occasional breaking balls and some changeups."